Jeff Clement

Last updated

Jeff Clement
Jeff Clement (cropped).jpg
Clement with the Seattle Mariners
Catcher / First basemen
Born: (1983-08-21) August 21, 1983 (age 40)
Marshalltown, Iowa, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 4, 2007, for the Seattle Mariners
Last MLB appearance
September 28, 2012, for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Men's baseball
Representing Flag of the United States.svg  United States
Pan American Games
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2003 Santo Domingo Team competition
World University Baseball Championship
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2004 Tainan National team

Jeffrey Burton Clement (born August 21, 1983) is an American former professional baseball player. Clement was a catcher and first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Contents

Clement attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he played college baseball for the USC Trojans and won the Johnny Bench Award as the nation's top collegiate catcher. The Mariners selected Clement in the first round (third overall) in the 2005 MLB draft. He struggled with injuries, which have limited his playing career.

Amateur career

Clement was born and raised in Marshalltown, Iowa. As a twelve-year-old, Clement led the 1996 Marshalltown team to the Little League World Series.

At Marshalltown High School, he broke the national high school home run record, formerly held by Drew Henson. He finished his high school career with 75 home runs. Clement led his high school team as a catcher/pitcher to the Iowa 4-A State Championship game in his senior year (2002). Clement was featured in the September 16, 2002, issue of Sports Illustrated as part of the "For the Love of the Game" article. Out of high school, Clement was drafted in the 12th round by the Minnesota Twins (362nd overall) [1] due to a poor performance at a pre-draft showcase, but did not sign.[ citation needed ]

Clement then went to University of Southern California and also played on the U.S. National Team. In his freshman year, he was named Collegiate Baseball Freshman National Co-Player of the Year, Pac-10 Conference Freshman of the Year, earned Baseball America Freshman All-America first team, and Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American first team honors.

As a sophomore, Clement earned 2004 Baseball America Preseason All-America first team and NCBWA Preseason All-America first team honors, as well as Collegiate Baseball Preseason All-America second team honors. He was also named as a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award.

In 2005, he won the Johnny Bench Award as the nation's top collegiate catcher, earned 2005 Baseball America All-America First Team, USA Today Sports Weekly All-America first team and Collegiate Baseball All-America first team honors, as well as 2005 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association All-America third team honors and was a Finalist for the 2005 Golden Spikes Award and named All-Pac-10 for the third straight year.

Professional career

Seattle Mariners

He made his MLB debut on September 4, 2007, and ended up appearing in nine games for the season, registering 16 at-bats.

On April 30, 2008, Clement was called up for his second stint in the MLB by the Mariners. He went 1-for-1 in a pinch hit appearance against the Cleveland Indians. With catcher Kenji Johjima signed to a large contract, Clement spent 2008 playing both catcher and designated hitter.

He was optioned to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers late in Spring Training 2009. [2]

On July 29, 2009, the Seattle Mariners sent Clement, along with Ronny Cedeño, Nate Adcock, Brett Lorin, and Aaron Pribanic to the Pittsburgh Pirates, in exchange for Jack Wilson and Ian Snell. [3] Clement was immediately optioned to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians.

Pittsburgh Pirates

He entered 2010 spring training competing for the job of starting first baseman with Steve Pearce and Garrett Jones. In 2010, Clement played 54 games for the Pirates, hitting .201 with 7 home runs. Clement was placed on the disabled list in August 2010 with left knee irritation, ending his season. He was outrighted off the 40-man roster in November 2010. Clement had knee surgery in the offseason, and missed all of 2011 spring training. He started a rehab assignment in the Gulf Coast League on July 21, 2011. Clement became a free agent after the 2011 season. In December 2011, he re-signed with the Pirates on a minor league deal. [4] On June 2, 2012, Clement hit for the cycle in a minor league game, while playing for the Indianapolis Indians. [5] On August 24, 2012, Clement was promoted to the majors. On August 31, 2012, Clement was outrighted to the minors, but was called up again on September 3. He was designated for assignment on October 25, 2012. [6] In November 2012, Clement elected free agency.

Minnesota Twins

Clement signed with the Minnesota Twins in November 2012. He announced his retirement from baseball on March 31, 2014. [7]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Buck (baseball)</span> American baseball player

Johnathan Richard Buck is an American former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Florida/Miami Marlins, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He went to high school in Taylorsville, Utah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lloyd McClendon</span> American baseball player & coach

Lloyd Glenn McClendon is an American former professional baseball player, coach and manager. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as an outfielder from 1987 to 1994 for the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kelly Shoppach</span> American baseball player

Kelly Brian Shoppach is an American former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Snyder</span> American baseball player (born 1981)

Christopher Ryan Snyder is an American former professional baseball catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Houston Astros and the Baltimore Orioles. He bats and throws right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Bard</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

Daniel Paul Bard is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Boston Red Sox from 2009 to 2013. In 2011, Bard set a Red Sox team record with 25 consecutive scoreless appearances. His highest velocity pitch was 102 miles per hour (164 km/h). In subsequent years, Bard experienced a loss of control over his pitches, derailing his playing career. After pitching in only two major league games in 2013, he played for several minor league teams before retiring in 2017 to become a player mentor. In 2020, Bard returned as a player after regaining his control, earned a spot on the Rockies' MLB roster, and went on to win the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award as their closing pitcher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dustin Ackley</span> American baseball player (born 1988)

Dustin Michael Ackley is an American former professional baseball second baseman and outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">J. T. Wise</span> Baseball player

Jeremy Tyler Wise is an American former professional baseball player. He played as a catcher and first baseman in minor league baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Wise attended Louisiana State University and later the University of Oklahoma. At both, Wise played baseball and won multiple accolades over his four-year combined stint. In 2009, Wise won the Johnny Bench Award, an annual award given out to the nation's best college catcher. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft and started his professional career in their organization with the rookie-league Ogden Raptors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ed Easley</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

Edward Michael Easley is an American former professional baseball catcher who played for the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eric Fryer (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

Eric Joseph Fryer is an American former professional baseball catcher. Also known by his nick name "Soulja Boy". He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins, and St. Louis Cardinals. A product of Ohio State University, the Milwaukee Brewers selected him in the ninth round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colin Moran</span> American baseball player (born 1992)

Colin Richard Moran is an American professional baseball third baseman who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Plawecki</span> American baseball player (born 1991)

Kevin Jeffrey Plawecki is an American professional baseball catcher in the San Diego Padres organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Texas Rangers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phillip Ervin</span> American baseball player (born 1992)

Phillip S. Ervin is an American professional baseball outfielder for the New Jersey Jackals of the Frontier League. Prior to playing professionally, Ervin attended Samford University, where he played college baseball for the Bulldogs. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cameron Rupp</span> American baseball player (born 1988)

Cameron Arthur Rupp is an American former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013 to 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler Heineman</span> American baseball player (born 1991)

Tyler Andrew Heineman is an American professional baseball catcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball for the UCLA Bruins. The Houston Astros selected Heineman in the eighth round of the 2012 MLB draft. He has previously played in MLB for the Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Frazier</span> American baseball player (born 1991)

Adam Timothy Frazier is an American professional baseball second baseman and outfielder who is a free agent. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, and Baltimore Orioles. He played college baseball for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Frazier was an All-Star in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zack Collins</span> American baseball player (born 1995)

Zachary Allen Collins is an American professional baseball catcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Guardians.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Travis Swaggerty</span> American baseball player (born 1997)

Travis Wade Swaggerty Jr. is an American professional baseball outfielder in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heston Kjerstad</span> American baseball player (born 1999)

Heston Sawyer Kjerstad is an American professional baseball outfielder and first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Orioles selected Kjerstad in the first round of the 2020 MLB draft and he made his MLB debut on September 14, 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Austin Wells</span> American baseball player (born 1999)

Austin Kenneth Wells is an American professional baseball catcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball for the University of Arizona, and the Yankees selected him in the first round of the 2020 MLB draft. Wells made his MLB debut in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henry Davis (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1999)

Henry Davis is an American professional baseball right fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball for the University of Louisville. Davis was the first overall selection in the 2021 MLB draft, and made his MLB debut in 2023.

References

  1. ↑ David Goldman. "Veteran Clement is catching on to a new role with Twins". Star Tribune. Associated Press. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  2. ↑ Morrow Headed to Bullpen SI.com, March 29, 2009
  3. ↑ "Wilson, Sanchez tenures with Bucs end | MLB.com: News". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Pirates Sign Jeff Clement, Ryota Igarashi". Piratesprospects.com. December 20, 2011. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Jeff Clement Hits For the Cycle". Piratesprospects.com. June 3, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Pirates Claim Two Players, DFA Clement and Fryer". Piratesprospects.com. October 25, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  7. ↑ Tommy Birch, tbirch@dmreg.com 12:53 p.m. CDT April 2, 2014 (April 2, 2014). "Iowan Jeff Clement, former MLB top-3 pick, is retiring". Desmoinesregister.com. Archived from the original on April 1, 2014. Retrieved April 13, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.